Nigerian Muslims join the rest of the Islamic world to observe this year’s Ramadan, in which the fasting ritual is observed.

For Muslims, Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is time for piety, spirituality and an opportunity of getting closer to God through fasting and praying.

Muslims also take time to recite the Qur’an, which was revealed to Prophet Muhammed in the month of Ramadan, making their actions purposeful and selfless.

Ramadan trains Muslims in self-control, patience and discipline, which are essential qualities in worship and daily life.

As the adherents of Islam seek to get closer to their creator during this holy month of Ramadan, it is also a period to foster unity in the family and country, irrespective of tribe, age and social status.

Fasting and abstaining from immoral acts during the month of Ramadan are not enough if efforts are not made to bring about togetherness, better understanding, team work and healing in the county. This must be a shared responsibility across religious lines and at all times. Important religious events like Ramadan should only serve to remind us of this necessity.

An important lesson of Ramadan is that it is a leveller among Muslims. The high and mighty in the sociey, as well as the wealthy ones, are enjoined to fast in order to feel what the less-privileged go through everyday. They are also made to part with more of their bounties for the benefit of the poor.

Nigerians have been made to go through a lot of ordeals, mainly as a result of government’s acts of commission and omission. Bad governance has bred insecurity and violent crimes all over the country. Harsh government policies have worsened the hunger epidemic, driving the people to desperation.

So, our leaders should do more to improve the quality of governance and reduce hunger. They should invest more in security, agriculture and provide economic relief for the productive sectors.

Our traders should desist from the practice of capitalising on religious seasons such as the Ramadan to increase their profiteering tendencies. They increase the prices of foodstuffs and hike transport fares. The people are hit from all sides, with nobody to protect them.

We urged traders and transporters to be more considerate as Allah frowns at mindless crave for materialism and will reward every good deed performed during the month of Ramadan.

Islam teaches love for one’s country. To make Nigeria great, we all should join hands, eschew bitterness, hatred, greed, killings, acts of terrorism and looting of the common wealth in this month of Ramadan and beyond. 

All Nigerians, irrespective of their religious persuasions, should always pray for our military personnel fighting terrorists, bandits, armed herdsmen and kidnappers. 

We wish all Muslims the best in this month of Ramadan!